Flying termite is an edible insect and a member of the termites family, its scientific name is “Macrotermes Bellicosus.”

Nigerians are so adventurous about food, they consume these specie of termites as a source of protein to complement their meal. 

Flying termites are usually roasted and eaten in Nigeria. However, according to an oral source, most Nigerians consume it raw, use it as snacks and it’s very delicious.

Additionally, flight is an integral part of termites reproductive process. Flying termites are adult reproductive termites and different species of termites can fly during their reproductive stage.

The winged termites are called ‘alates’ or ‘swarmers’ because of the way they fly together in a group. It can only fly a short distance and during a limited time of the year. These termites shed their wings once it lands on the ground.

It’s known locally in various parts of Nigeria with different names such as ‘Aku or Aku Mkpu in Igbo, Esunsun in Yoruba,  Shinge in Hausa, Ako or Omogochi in Igala,  Huur in TIV, Eha in Idoma, Isiku in Edo, Edon in Benin, bomburha in Adawama,  Ndube in Akwa Ibom and Mbube in Calabar and Tana in Jukun language Taraba state.

Electric bulb and lamp attract flying termites to people’s house especially when it rains.

We have different species of termites. However, in south eastern part of Nigeria for instance only the winged termite is being consumed by people. The small soft-bodied ones which lives in large colonies with different castes, especially within a mound of cemented earth is not edible. These ones are seen as a threat to our environment, it feeds on wood and is generally known to be very destructive to timber, trees, books, buildings, clothes and furniture.

Benefits of flying termites to man.

According to a recent research flying termites has been found out to be medicinal and a good source of food to human, it was discovered to have about 60% of protein.  Also a recent review has shown that they are commonly used insects in traditional popular medicine.

It could be used in treatment of diseases which causes harm to human like; asthma, whooping cough, and influenza.

Many use it as a source of protein to complement their food and that of their livestock. However, it’s equally used for making native soups like Oha soup/okra soup, African salad (Abacha), moi moi, Igbagu Oka, yam pottage.

Flying termites is good for people with high cholesterol level in their body 

It has Vitamin A content which is essential for the eye and skin.

Aku or flying termite is a very good substitute for fish and meat when they are unavailable to it’s consumers.